Tuesday's Tip: The Kids' Favorite Book Right Now Is...

One Duck Stuck (Root)

Just thought I would share that with yall. This was one of Jackson's Preschool books of the month he did in speech and one that is definitely worth buying. Abigail is loving this book, and we are reading it every day before her nap.

What is your Preschooler's favorite book right now?

Also, this week is the Letter "S" in Preschool and we are working with him writing the letter S and the theme is Dr. Seuss. I heart Preschool.

For the Month of March:
Next week is Circus week
Week of March 13th they will work on the Letter G
Week of March 20th is the Letter U (Outer Space Theme)
Week of March 27th is the Letter K (Weather Theme)

Jackson is in a 3k Preschool Class two days a week, and next year he will go four days a week to a 4K Class. Email me if you would like to know what Preschool he goes to (emilywallace80@hotmail.com). I really have been pleased with all they have taught him and it is VERY affordable (it also helps that his best bud is in his class)! Abigail will not go next year. I am not going to put her in one until she is in a 3k class.

Please also keep us in your prayers. Saturday night a TV feel on Jackson (somehow he only got a cut on his knee). Monday night a class bowl broke on me and I have a cut on my thumb, and then tonight a class bowl broke on Abigail (she is fine). This is a new type of demonic attack that we are experiencing. However, any suffering we have for His name sake, is so worth it. Living for eternity, is so worth it. Jesus is so worth it.

David Baptist Church will be voting March 13th on going to two Sunday Schools and two services. Every since the expansion committee has met we have gone through spiritual warfare for sure. David Baptist church has never gone to two worship services (and Sunday school hours) in the entire 70 years of its existence, so this is pretty major. Click here to see Charlie's great post on why 2 services on his blog. Thank you for praying. and just continue to pray that our family and our church will be all about Jesus and reaching/discipling people for Him!

This week marks our one year anniversary at David Baptist. We are loving it here, and love the people so much!

Breakthrough with Training Jackson

*Above picture is taken at a fun "Cat in the Hat" birthday party we went to on Saturday.

Recently, I feel like I have had a breakthrough with Jackson, all thanks to Mrs. Duggar.

Have you ever watched 19 Kids and Counting? Your answer is probably "yes." BUT, have you ever seen Michelle Duggar sin? (She obviously does) Your answer might be surprisingly, "no." We are all sinners, but I tell you what, Michelle Duggar is unbelievable and she could only be how she is because of the power of Jesus in her life.

On a recent episode, she was having to deal with a fight that happened with the little ones. She made three of her preschoolers tell to her what they should have done (not take the ice cream, etc), and then she made them repeat ten times to her while looking her in the eye whatever they should have said in the situation. This all happened while they were sitting on chairs. With the youngest one, I think it was as simple as telling the child telling her "yes ma'am" ten times. Duggar would then praise the children for doing whatever it was they were asked to do. She says she concentrates on training them in all situations.

So, the last week or so Jackson had the flu for the first time since we took his paci away last year (yes, we had the flu shot). Needless to say he whined a lot and threw things when he was sick and mad with no paci to calm this time around. So, when he did that, I took him in the kitchen and said "you need to say 10 times 'I will not throw things.'" It really got to the heart of the issue and then I would instruct him with what he should have done---he should have told mommy in a calm, self-controlled voice what was wrong. I do believe in using the rod, but when my baby boy had the flu, and even now, I am really concentrating on training him on what to do in certain situations (as well as giving him time outs on his bed for four minutes when he is whining).

Also, at the end of the day, Duggar tries to praise her children in front of everyone about what they did well that day. I have been really trying to do that and so today when Charlie came home I told him that Abigail did a great job eating her Toy Story vitamin, and that Jackson did a great job when he drew a perfect H on his chalkboard during our "school" time today (we got the chalkboard from Handwriting without Tears). Jackson's "love language" is definitely words of affirmation. He gets that from his father ;-)

Just thought I would share this because I knew it would be helpful in training your Preschooler. Also the book of the month for Preschoolers for February is Over the Meadow, and March's book is The Little Engine That Could. Great books to check out at the library I am sure. I hope to get them soon.

And the Winner Is...

Lauren!

I went to a randomizer, random.org, and it selected Lauren! It is so great to be able to give a free book away. Looking forward to hearing on how she is enjoying this book.

Don't forgot you can get your copy by going to barnesandnoble.com for now 5% off, but it looks like if you spend $25 with them you get free shipping.

7 Week Easter Devotional for Families, "So Much Bigger than the Bunny"---Chance to Win a FREE Copy

I went to seminary with Tasha and keep up with her through her fantastic blog Afraid of Failing

"The book has two tracks. 1. A track that takes you through the entire season of Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday (March 9th this year), devoting about three days a week to each lesson; and 2. The Fast Track that focuses on each day of Holy Week–the week leading up to Resurrection Sunday."

"Bigger Than the Bunny is an excellent resource that will enable you to teach your children the true meaning of Easter. The activities are applicable to all age levels from preschoolers to older children as well as simple and effective. It's sure to provide a fun learning experience for everyone in your family."

I would definitely recommend getting this book before March 9th of this year. You can get it on Barnes and Noble for 23% off by clicking here. It is available on amazon for full price and not in bookstores yet. Also part of the money she gets from the book will help her financially in their adaption process.

Tasha's also has a great post on teaching your children the envelope system here

But one of the most exciting news is.......

She is giving a book away FREE here on my blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just comment here on this post that you would like a absolutely free copy of this book. The winner will be picked at random.

"Trade These Ashes in for Beauty"

We sang a great newer song in church entitled, "At the Foot of the Cross"

I got this song on itunes and I got the version that Kathryn Scott sings and would highly recommend it.

Lyrics:

Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

Chorus:

Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

Verse 2:
At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life
Through the death you bore for me
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

It was emotional for me singing this song on Sunday. Molly always would say that my babies were "a beauty." So, when the line, "Now I can trade these ashes in for beauty," came up for us to sing, I was not able to without crying. It was just a year ago where Molly was doing so great and even able to travel to Charleston for a funeral where she was able to hug and kiss all over my babies.

Another hard thing is explaining death to a 4 year old. Many experts say that children cannot understand abstract concepts till around 7 years old. Mimi and Pop Pop's dog Jack passed away in December and it was really hard for him to wrap his little mind around it. Over Christmas, he asked Mimi if she missed her doggy, and told her that he was in the clouds. He definitely is tender- hearted! He asked this weekend, why did your grandmommy die? I said most people die when they get older and she lived a long wonderful life.

Do you know of any good books explaining death to Preschoolers? Susan recommended When Dinosaurs Die and actually is letting us borrow it right now which is a huge blessing.

Thursday's Tip: The Book of the Month

is

The Letters are Lost for Preschoolers

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

is another book that goes well with it. This is the book that they are working on at Oak Grove back in Columbia for this month during speech time.

I also just picked up "Ready, Set Preschool!" worksheet by Sesame Street at CVS. Anytime I put Abigail down to sleep Jackson begs to do a worksheet. I am just thankful he enjoys learning right now.

What is your tip for teaching Preschoolers? What has been working for you recently?

Thursday's Tip: Resources for Teaching 3 Year Olds

The above book is the April book they will be working on in speech back in Columbia. We got this book and it is a great one to do during "school" time. The below dvd Jackson has loved and now every word he says he wants to tell me what letter the word begins with. We watch this one in the car mainly.

The below book is another fun book they did at his speech back in Columbia last month and is a great summer book.

Additional, today in speech (we are thinking he will be in speech till around 5 years old since he was tongue tied for two years and we did not know it!) we read "The Big Hungry Bear." I always like to hear what books your babies have enjoyed! Lastly, in speech today they did a picture bingo game (that comes with a wand), and his teacher would ask him questions like, "which object do is round and you bounce it?" I always like finding new ways to challenge Jackson and of course Preschool worksheets that you find at CVS or Walmart are great challenging resource as well.

On a side note, here is an example of the conversation we have about every other day (trying to understand who exactly Jesus is...)

Jackson: Jesus go potty?
Me: Yes, Jesus went potty when he lived here on earth a long time ago.
Jackson: Jesus get a bath
Me: Yes, Jesus got baths when he lived here on earth a long time ago.
Jackson: Jesus washes his hands
Me: Yes, Jesus washed his hands when he lived here on earth a long time ago.
Jackson: Jesus cried?
Me: Yes Jesus cried when he was on earth a long time ago.
Jackson: Jesus needs a paci
Me: They did not have pacifiers a long time ago when Jesus was on earth.
Jackson: Jesus get a spanking?
Me: (trying not to laugh) NO, Jesus did not get a spanking, he was the only perfect man that every lived that is one reason we pray to Him.

It is so fun to see how his little mind is working, and he is such a funny little boy. I am so thankful for how far God has brought him. To Him be all the glory!

What about you? What are some great resources you have found in teaching 3 or 4 year olds?

Ps-Metamucil in his juice every day giving him the fiber he needs is working so well! I would highly recommend it if your little one eats terribly like my Jackson does. Abigail on the other hand has her 10 grams a fiber daily through all the food she eats daily. Her favorite food by far is grapes and I am so very thankful.

Thursday's Tip: Recommendations for Three Year Olds

For School:

The Book for March that they are doing every week at his school is, Big Red Barn (Brown).

A game they work on is Hi Ho Cherry-O. We got to this game recently to work on at home.

Also got worksheets entitled Preschool Scholar at Walmart. He is doing so great circling object, but is still have a hard time writing letters. He wants to write out his name so badly, and he gets easily frustrated that he cannot do it, so I did also get him Scribble and Write by Leap Frog. I really would not be pushing him to do this at all, but he loves to go through worksheets and really has a strong desire to write at least the letter J.

I would love to hear any advice on how I can help him draw letters!

He is doing great though on knowing what letter most words start with. He got 10 in a row the other day in a workbook, and I got all emotional thinking about how far he is has come. God gets all the glory!

For Spiritual Life:

Ordered Day By Day: One Year Devotional For Young Children by Betty Free (Ashley J recommended).

Update on Us:

• We are doing great, just extremely busy! I am in Columbia for Jackson's speech that he has on Thursday morning for just one night (Wednesday night). I think someone is going to look at the house on Saturday, so keep praying!
• Our first day at David Baptist was great. Everyone was so welcoming. I think it was surreal for Charlie and I that he is the pastor of this wonderful church!
• Jackson loved his class and his teacher. He learning a Bible Verse (Do not be afraid Acts 27), and then she made an phenomenal craft with a toilet paper role and had the Bible verse taped on it and they made it into a door handle. Anytime I see a great craft for little ones, I am blown away because I have a hard time with arts & crafts. He is doing really well with all the changes which is a huge answer to prayer, but he is not sleeping a whole lot. It seems like every night we have been in Spartanburg he has not really gotten down till 11:00 at night. This of course is making us more tired, so please pray that he starts sleeping more!
  

Thanks again for all your prayers!

New Books We Are Working on

Jackson is still going to Oak Grove Elementary School on Thursday mornings at 7:45 am for speech (one hour sessions). He has done really well in January and is speaking in 4 or 5 word sentences now. He is saying so much in speech his teacher says she is having a hard time writing it all down. She said last time he was like, "Look, that is a diamond shape." I am so thankful! This time last year he was hardly saying anything. Now, he is almost non-stop talking...if I will not listen, he will talk to himself.

Every month they try to work on one specific book every therapy session. The books they are now working on for February are Emma Kate by Patrica Polacco, and The Three Bears by Paul Galdone. I got both of these books off half.com for under $5. I will not pay more than $5 (this includes shipping) for any book or dvd I buy for them, because we are at the stage where books get eaten by our little goat, Abigail. I am so excited about these new books!

I still do school time daily with the kids since they are not going to Preschool. I have started strapping Abigail down in her seat during this time as well and doing activities with her (we are trying for her not to use her pacifier during the day).

Here is our current 'school' schedule at home:

Mondays: Car and block day (he works on copying what I build)
Tuesdays: Bubble day
Wednesday: Puzzle day
Thursday: Animal day
Friday: Art day
Saturday: practice ball (putting, soccer, etc).

At the end of "school" time (they are both strapped down) they get a Popsicle as a treat. This kills some time and is good exercise for their mouths.

With Jackson, we are working on obeying Mommy the first time I ask him to do something. This requires me really meaning what I say, and getting down on his level, making eye contact, and speaking in a calm but stern voice. If he does an action that deliberately hurts his sister, or harms himself (i.e. running out in the middle of the street), he gets a spanking with the "rod." (wooden spoon).

Proverbs 13:24, "He who spares the rod, hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Proverbs 22:15, "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."

Ultimately, my primary goal for my children is to know Jesus. Jesus' death and resurrection is their only hope. My goal for my children is to teach them to strive to live a life where their goal is to die to themselves and depend on God.

How we live this out in their little lives may look like this: when my kids are sick, we lay hands on whoever is sick and pray in Jesus name that He will heal them. When mommy struggles with something, I pray out loud to the Holy Spirit that He will give me strength to overcome whatever I am struggling with. When Jackson is obsessing over what PJ's he is going to wear at night, and who got the certain PJ's for him, if it is us, I say, "Mommy and Daddy got them. Daddy works very hard so we can have money to have PJ's. But ultimately, Jesus graciously gave us our money and everything we have." God is completely in control (it might not be our plan but it is His plan, everything that happens to us that we have no control over). Also we sing such songs as, "Yes, Jesus loves me" and read stories daily all about Jesus from Read Aloud Bible Stories.

I have really been thinking a lot recently about parenting goals and how to practically live them out. One of my friends recently experienced an extreme family tragedy. There really were no words that I could say to comfort her. However, the Holy Spirit gave me words for her through a song. I texted her and said, "Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and His righteousness". He is the only reason we can get out the bed the next day, he is our ONLY HOPE. We can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. The Holy Spirit will give you the strength (that you do not think you havr) to set your hearts and your thoughts on Jesus. Our only hope is His blood and His righteousness. That is my "sermon" for today...ha!

Thursday's Tip: The Mitten

The Mitten by Jan Brett is the book they are working on this month at Jackson's school/speech time.

The school uses the Read It Once Again curriculum in choosing what book to use for the month. The last book was Silly Sally and definitely more on his level. He loves this book and asks me to read it to him every day. I think he might have it memorized now.

The Mitten is an excellent book, but has some big words in the book, and is a little long for him. I read online that this book is appropriate for children four years and older. However, after talking to the speech therapist she assured me that she is breaking this book down to his level. She also reports that he is having a hard time answering questions and focusing during book time. So, of course, we got this book of amazon used and very cheap. He is starting to like this book more and more, but since it is so long, he does not ask me to read it to him again yet. He loves books right now, and he will sit down with me for very long periods of time while I read, so it was surprising to hear he was having a hard time focusing during book time.

However, overall he is doing so well. The other day, he came into the room where me, Charlie and Abigail were, and said, "Hey guys, what is going on?"

Other milestones in the last couple weeks:

• "saying J-A-C-K-S-O-N Spells Jackson by memory"
• He knows what are names are and his full name and that he lives in Columbia SC and says that Gigi and Grand live in Spartanburg, and daily we hear, "KK went back to Georgia."
• He makes knock knock jokes daily. For instances: "Knock, knock, who is there? Zoo, Zoo who? Zoomed to you expect"...this is from a Wiggles dvd
• Non stop talking with us all day.He speaks in sentences all days as well. Such as "I see the stars. The moon is behind the clouds."
  
• Counts to twenty, and counts everything. Count out his 14 cars, and then says, "I have fourteen cars." The other day he even said one and one is two, and I have never even touched on that. He is gifted in the math side of things for sure, just like my dad (there is no real differences in my dad and Jackson).
  

Back to The Mitten
We are suppose to be asking him

• How many animals are in the mitten?
• Tell me what you see?
• Does it snow when it is hot outside or when it is cold?
• What did Nicki want?
• What is the boy's name?
  

Next book, they will be working on is From Head to Toe by Eric Carle.

This is all very helpful to me because I have no idea how to teach Preschoolers!

What is your child's favorite educational book right now?

Thursday's Tip: Weekly Teaching Your Toddler/Preschooler Bible Stories

This week we have been focusing on Zaccheus and I have read to Jackson about Zaccheus every day to him before his naps.

How did I choose to focus on Zaccheus this week?

Jackson's wonderful Sunday School teachers give him a sheet to take home for the week for children his age. This curriculum is made by Lifeway which is an excellent Sunday School curriculum. The story was about Zachheus so on Sunday I decided that we would focus on this story every day this week (I always want my 4th grade girls to do what I send home with them because it is an excellent resource for them, but these sheets have been way over Jackson's head, so I have been ignoring them for a while...). We have looked at the sheet that was sent home with him on Sunday every day this week, and he has loved it!

We also have read the first story from Read-Aloud Bible Stories Vol. 1 (Puckett) which is all about Zaccheus. I love this book and would highly recommend it. At the end of this first story, the author writes simply and beautifully, "Jesus knew Zaccheus was in that tree. He even knew Zaccheus's name. Jesus knows where you are---all the time. He knows your name too."

Jackson would love for me to read to him for hours every day and I am really enjoying this time with him. Not to long ago, he could not sit still for even a minute!

I do want to get him a real Bible soon. I want it so we can actually find where stories are from (this story is found in Luke). What would you recommend for his first real Bible? Is there any other books you recommend to help teach the Bible to my babies?

Today was animal day for school time. We played with all the animals we have (I got tons at the Tot Trade) and we had a zoo and then a farm. We learned that certain animals are at the farm, and certain ones are at the zoo. I strapped Abigail down in a seat and she learned as well.

We also read Brown Bear three times, and he can read the entire book to me! God has answered so many of our prayers for Jackson.

Jackson's Favorites

• Books: Peek A Zoo, Baby's First Bible, Good Night Moon, Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do you See, Dora's Egg Hunt, Read-Aloud Bible Stories Volume 1 (my favorite book)
• DVD's: He LOVES dvd's. He likes Dora, Mickey, Little Einsteins, Wonder Pets, Oso, etc., he likes most educational dvd as well like Brainy Baby and Brainy Baby ABC's which help him talk. He really enjoys all Cedarmont Kids dvd and I like them too. They have kids singing songs (mainly Christian songs) and he likes to sing with them (he really likes to do the hand motions...I wish they did more hand motions in these dvds). He still likes Signing Time and still likes to sign some (but he always says the words that he is signing).
  
• Toys: He likes cars, trains, Doctor Elmo, The Farmer Says See N' Say, balls, balls and more balls (we can't wait for tee ball!)
  
• Favortie thing to do: JUMP (especially on the couch, bed, etc), play with balls, or he just loves to be outside!
• Favortie thing to talk about: Abigail! Baby crawl, baby sleep, baby goes night night, baby's bottle. If Abigail was not here, I do not know what he would say all day. He loves her so much!
• Major Praise is that he is saying little sentences all day long. I cannot believe how much progress he has made in the last month. He is so proud that he can talk and that he can successfully go potty. He is almost 100 percent trained! He daily sings his ABC's and counted to 20 today by himself! He knows all his letter when you put a random letter in front of him. His therapist cannot believe all the progress he has made in this last month. God gets all the glory! He has graciously answered our prayers. I am so appreciative of every time Jackson says something over and over again until I say it. It does not bother me it all. I will sing ABC's all day long and love every minute of it. Looking back at the beginning of the year, it seemed like he would never ever be able to talk. His short frenulum did not grown with him from 15 months old to 2 and half years old. Now that his is not tongue tied anymore, we are just making up for that critical year that was lost but fortuntaly Jackson will be 3 years old the entire year that he is in a 2 year old class. God is so good!

What is your little one (2-4 year old) favorite book, toy, or dvd. I always love to hear what other little ones like especially since Jackson has a birthday coming up soon!

Update on Jackson: Speech Therapy

Since so many of you have been asking about Jackson’s speech therapy I thought I would write a quick post about it. On Tuesday we had the last private speech therapy that we will have for a while. She said Jackson has progressed a good bit just in the last three weeks with her. He says bubbles all the time, pop, blow, yucky, oh boy, golf, etc. He could not or would not say these words a couple weeks ago. We went to the private speech therapist for three sessions, and yesterday was our last visit until we see if the insurance will cover it (I have to file it myself). Also, yesterday we finally got our speech therapist from Babynet. Major Praise! She will be coming to the house weekly until he is three years old (he will have a big evaluation again at two and half to see if he still needs the speech therapy and then when Jackson turns three the school district that we are in takes over if he still needs therapy)

Resources if your child is having speech issues:

• Main book recommended by my private therapist is: The Language of Toys Schwatzer, Miler (she says this is the like the Bible book for speech therapist working with kids Jackson’s age). It explains what is going on, and give you exercises to do with your little one and places to write when they accomplish certain speech tasks
• Superduperinc.com (private speech therapist gave me tons of handouts and this website has some free handouts)
• One of the best resources I have seen that my Babynet therapist recommends was the dvd serious Signing Time. Charlie went and got this dvd yesterday at the library and it teaches them “more, mama, etc” plus hand motions. This week we are working on “m” words that are not just descriptive words. We are really working on “more” (with the sign language) and making him ask for more when he wants more. We have also ordered Baby Signing Time off Amazon for a really good price. I really wish I had known about this resource when Jackson was a year old. It is the best teaching tool I have seen for speech issues! Jackson tells us all day long what he wants and what he has done through hand motions so this dvd is really helping him communicate. Once he sees the power in telling us what he wants through words, he will want to use his words. That is why it is good for Jackson to be in the two year old room at church and see other kids using words to get what they want. This dvd has kids doing the signing motions and Jackson likes it. We have learned that Jackson definitely does the best in the morning when he alert. Here is their website but Amazon has the best prices on dvd. I will definitely be using these dvds on Abigail. I would use these dvds for learning even if your child does not have speech delay. http://www.signingtime.com/?gclid=CKDutZXrl5YCFQpjnAod7BZ96A
• I am just so thankful that we have resources now and a speech therapist from Babynet. Again, I started this process at the beginning of August and next week will be the first real speech session we will have from Babynet. I have seen improvements in Jackson and I am just very thankful (he is about 6 months behind in speaking which we knew already). I am learning so much and some days I feel like I am getting a degree in speech therapy with notes and homework assignments. This is a good thing because I really do not know how to teach preschool age children and I know I feel like I really am starting to get a grasp on teaching little ones. God is teaching me so much…especially with patience!
• Today the Babynet coordinator (different from speech therapist she comes once a week as well to work on preschool goals) got him to ask for more with sign language and saying “mm” all by himself. This is a major deal for Jackson….he has come so far already!

Ps-when Jackson’s diaper gets full he rips it off…no we are not ready to potty train probably will not try till he is 2 and half or so (we want to potty train him when he is ready not just when we want him to).

Do yall recommend anymore resources for speech development?

How to Have a Devotion with a 1 Year Old

This has been on my mind a lot recently, so I thought I would share.

1. Jackson loves music, and he especially loves it when children are singing the music. I recommend the Cedarmont Kids cds. They are only $3.99 and kids sing. We just got the cd entitled “Gospel Praise Songs.”and “Bible Songs.” I actually enjoy them and I play them in the car and at home throughout the day

2. Get them a Baby’s Bible. Make it the most important book they have, and get all excited when he reads it. You can even make it a fun game and hide the Bible and try real hard to find it (advice I got from a sheet First Baptist Columbia gave me when he went to nursery there). I got Jackson a Bible entitled Baby’s First Bible (Standard is the company) by Colin and Moira MacLean. This Bible has a handle on it and he likes it. Make it a habit now of reading the Bible to them daily. I try to read him his Bible daily. Charlie has not seen Jackson in 10 days, but will see him Friday and Charlie cannot wait to read him his Bible.

3. Pray with them. The only time I can do this with Jackson is right before he goes to bed, he is real tired here. I read him a night night book (I bought Good Night Boz but I think this book is too old for him) and then we say a quick prayer.

If anyone else has suggestions I would love to hear them!

I know schedules and eating seem like the most important thing in the world now, but in eternity most of that will not make a difference. I would have loved some recommendations before spending hours at the Christian book store, so I thought I would share what has worked for us.

Ps— Lots of moms have asked me which cup works best on Jackson, believe me I have tried them all! The best cup for Jackson is the Playtex-spill proff cup (The First Sipster 7 ozs). I have to fill juice to the top and he actually drinks out of it! Pear juice helps him go to the bathroom (he drinks only like 2 ozs a day). I wish I had started him on this cup at 9 months along with many real food (although my doctor says that they only need 1 tablespoon of "real" food per serving at this age).